A survey out Tuesday from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. finds almost 20 per cent of consumers buying their first home received financial support from family.

The Crown corporation’s Consumer Mortgage Survey, first conducted in 1999, found 71 per cent of first-time buyers accessed their own savings for their down payment but 18 per cent received an outright gift from a family member. Among first-time buyers, 64 per cent were renting before their purchases and 34 per cent were living with family.

CMHC conducted the online survey in March, 2017 with 3,002 recent mortgage consumers, all prime decision makers in a mortgage transactions in the last 12 months.

“The survey findings can be used by mortgage professionals to manage their businesses by improving the overall customer experience,” said Nathalie Fredette, vice-president of client relationship management with CMHC.

While the mortgage industry has complained about tough new lending rules brought in last year to cool the market, including the fact loans backed by Ottawa must qualify based on the current posted five-year fixed rate of 4.64 per cent, 47 per cent of people in the survey were unaware of the changes.

Of the people aware of the changes, 19 per cent said it impacted their decision in some way — with 11 per cent saying they made a larger down payment. A larger down payment would lower monthly mortgage costs and make it easier to qualifying based on carrying costs.

The survey found six per cent of those aware of mortgage rule changes bought a smaller house, five per cent purchased in a different location and three per cent delayed a purchase.

Overall, 40 per cent of buyers said they felt concerns or uncertainty during the buying process. In that category, 57 per cent cited unforeseen costs, 51 per cent feared they could pay too much for a home and 51 per cent were worried about living with post home buying costs.

The most important person in the buying process continues to be the real estate agent, with 72 per cent of respondents saying they were likely to consult one. Another 57 per cent said they would look to a family member or mortgage lender for advice. Another 41 per cent interacted with a mortgage broker.

“Of all interactions, real estate agents were noted as the most valuable,” said CMHC, in its release.

Technology continues to be a key driver in the market, with the survey finding 40 per cent of respondents would be comfortable arranging their entire mortgage transaction using secure online tools and apps, without having to meet their mortgage professional in person.